Having oily skin has been a lifelong journey for me, and for years, I struggled to find makeup that stayed in place without turning shiny halfway through the day.

After lots of testing, trial, and error, here is the routine that finally keeps my oil under control and my makeup looking fresh!

STEP ONE: PRIMER Milk Makeup Mini Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Makeup Primer

- This primer creates the perfect base by controlling shine before any makeup goes on.

- It grips my makeup so well—before using it, my makeup would slide off by midday.

- It minimizes the appearance of pores, giving my foundation a smoother, more flawless finish.

- The mattifying and blurring effect keeps oil at bay for hours, which is essential for my skin type.

STEP TWO: FOUNDATION Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

- This is the foundation that started my oily-skin routine—it was recommended by an Ulta employee, and it truly delivered.

- The formula is blendable and buildable, giving me flexibility between a natural finish or full glam.

- Because it's a foundation and concealer in one, it easily covers redness and blemishes without feeling heavy.

- It is a matte foundation, but with a very soft glow that keeps it from looking flat—perfect for oily skin that still needs some dimension.

- The finish stays controlled and never turns greasy, even after hours of wear.

STEP THREE: POWDER Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

- Setting powder is essential for oily skin, and this one has been my holy grail for years.

- It gives my makeup an airbrushed, smooth finish that locks everything into place.

- It controls shine incredibly well throughout the day, keeping my face matte without looking dry.

- I love carrying the mini size in my purse for quick touch-ups whenever my skin starts getting a little shiny.

This routine has transformed the way my makeup wears on oily skin. The combination of a strong mattifying primer, a flexible matte foundation, and a reliable setting powder keeps my makeup looking fresh, smooth, and shine-free all day. If you also struggle with excess oil, these steps might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for!